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Decontamination Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Air Quality Decontamination Team member will be ready to respond to a potential exposure incident 24 hours per day seven days a week. Team member will be trained in specialized Personal ...

NGB CBRN/CWMD SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, decontamination, and operate specialized equipment to protect personnel and equipment, while providing technical advice on CBRN threats * Training military and ...

ANESTHESIA TECH I

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18.70 - $26.18/hr

Performs Decontamination and advanced sterilization processes (steam, flash, steriad). * Provides direct assistance to Physicians, Physician Assistants, Anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse ...

Sterilization Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with established protocols and safety standards. * Operate and maintain ...

Providing a leadership and technical supportive role in the areas of Steam Sterilization, Dry Heat Depyrogenation, Steam Decontamination, Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination, Controlled ...

$117K - $184K/yr

VHP Decontamination qualification / validationRequired Skills: Biochemistry, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Steam Sterilization ...

Showing results 21-40

Decontamination information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do decontamination jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for decontamination in Virginia is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a decontamination?

A decontamination job involves cleaning, disinfecting, and safely handling hazardous materials, equipment, or environments to remove contaminants. This may include biological, chemical, or radioactive substances in medical, laboratory, or industrial settings. Workers follow strict safety protocols and use specialized equipment to prevent the spread of harmful agents. Their role is critical in maintaining safe conditions for workers, patients, and the environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in decontamination?

In a Decontamination role, your daily responsibilities usually include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments or equipment according to strict protocols. You'll inspect and sort items, handle biological or hazardous materials safely, and document each step to meet compliance and quality standards. Collaboration with surgical teams, nurses, or laboratory staff is common to ensure instruments are processed and delivered promptly. These tasks are often performed in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment where attention to detail and adherence to safety are critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the decontamination position, and why are they important?

To excel in Decontamination, you need attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and knowledge of cleaning and sterilization procedures, often validated by specialized training or certifications such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Proficiency in using sterilization equipment, chemical agents, and tracking systems like instrument management software is crucial. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication help ensure seamless coordination with clinical staff and reduce errors. These skills are vital for maintaining a safe environment, preventing contamination, and supporting patient care outcomes.

How to become a decontamination specialist?

To become a decontamination specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete specialized training in decontamination procedures, safety protocols, and the use of protective equipment. Certifications such as OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) are often required, and experience in hazardous materials handling or environmental services can improve job prospects.

How to become a decontamination technician?

To become a decontamination technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue specialized training in decontamination procedures, safety protocols, and the use of cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Certification in hazardous materials handling or biohazard cleanup can enhance job prospects, and on-the-job training is common for learning specific protocols and safety standards.
Infographic showing various Decontamination job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,696 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Air Quality Technician

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Air Quality Technician

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537242
Work type: Staff
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Facilities Operations
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades

Job Description

Reporting to the Air Quality Supervisor, the Air Quality Technician performs specialized intensive cleaning and decontamination of mechanical/electrical equipment and rooms, ducts and air distribution devices to improve and maintain air quality in campus buildings. As a member of the Air Quality Decontamination Team, individual will be part of a front line of defense against potential spread of infectious diseases. The Air Quality Decontamination Team member will be ready to respond to a potential exposure incident 24 hours per day seven days a week. Team member will be trained in specialized Personal Protective Equipment to include N95 mask and will go through fitting for appropriate mask. Team member will be trained and will utilize specialized disinfecting equipment. Members of the Air Quality Decontamination Team must take Respiratory Protection Training and Respiratory Protection Medical Service through VT EHSS annually. Performs carpentry, sheet metal, insulation and painting tasks in the course of the cleaning/treatment process. Makes repairs to air handling units, ductwork, turning vanes, install new filter racks, and replaces fans and motors in fan coil units and performs routine filter changes and service on building equipment. Stops, starts, disassembles and reassembles mechanical and electrical equipment in preparation for and during cleaning operations. Maintains and repairs all tools and safety equipment. Use/wearing of a respirator will be required. Responds to emergency callbacks after normal business hours as required.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

Industrial cleaning knowledge and/or mechanical/HVAC experience.
Must have a valid driver's license
Required to operate a motor vehicle daily
Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 60 pounds or more; ability to maneuver materials up and down stairs; ability to climb and work from elevated workstations such as ladders and scaffolds; ability to work for long periods of time standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling; ability to communicate effectively, have good teamwork skills, and be able to understand, comprehend and follow directions in the workplace.
Must be able to work in non-permit required confined spaces.
Must be able to properly wear a respirator.
Must wear appropriate PPE
Must wear provided uniforms
Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
May be required to work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.
Use/wearing of a respirator will be required.
This is a designated emergency personnel position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience cleaning and decontaminating mechanical/ electrical equipment and rooms.
Experience decontaminating public surfaces.
Previous carpentry, sheet metal, insulation or painting experience.
HVAC experience such as repairing air handling units, ductwork, turning vanes, installing new filter racks, replacing fans and motors in fan coil units or performing routine filter changes and service on building equipment.
Experience in following safety procedures and using safety equipment.
Previous experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or computerized work order system.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$36,000-$45,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

August 18, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opsHR-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 10, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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